Word article on Corona Virus.
Corona Virus began to attack the world in early January 2020, originally taking its prisoners in Wuhan, China before spreading to other parts of the globe.
With Corona Virus sweeping the nation, abolishing lives and homes, leaving thousands without a stable and loving atmosphere – there is no surprise that the NHS has been hit hard, forcing staff to work long and tiring hours to support those in need. These heroes have committed both their time and lives to ensure that those badly affected receive the help and treatment that they so desperately need.
Sadly, there has been NHS workers lives taken, especially when lack of PPE was present. Due to such high demand but also lack of prior organisation, there was a long period of time where correct PPE was not available. Forcing the now nicknamed ‘key workers’ to work in such deathly conditions.
Rachel Biggin, a front line NHS key worker, claimed that working with such poor PPE was shameful: “It was heart-breaking knowing that you were entering a danger zone every day, and that you had no protection. It was truly like going to war with no weapon, just as bait – trying to protect your country.” She then also proceeds to say “It was hard working 13 hour shifts, dealing with patients who you sometimes knew, whilst also knowing that you have family back at home who are relying on you to return to them – hopefully healthy and well.”
There has been circulating news and articles, praising and recognising key workers for their bravery, hard work and commitment. However, hundreds simply read the work of the media as publicity acts; whilst numerous people of the community believed that the media didn’t ultimately respect and honour NHS workers; that it was forcefully done because they knew they have a reputation to uphold.
Isabelle Biggin, daughter of Rachel, opened up to us and stated that: “It is a shame the articles, news stories and posts regarding NHS key workers were all the same. There is nothing different, and it is infuriating as it seems like nobody is trying to understand. It is almost like they are standing on a podium without trying to raise other people up too; it’s all very unoriginal.”
We then discussed with Isabelle this statement, asking what could be done to help with understanding such key workers in this time of acknowledging. Understandably, it is difficult trying to comprehend a situation you are not in – likewise, things can be done to try and see things from different perspectives.
Isabelle replied: “Reach out to people, strangers, people you may only know online, family and friends. It is one thing discussing online saying you support key workers – but it is another thing personally reaching out privately, saying you support them. It’s been hard seeing my mum go to work every day for long hour shifts, to know that she will be doing the same tomorrow – and nobody truly checking up on her. Yet we switch the tv on and see dozens of different news channels saying they support key workers, often coming across because they have to.”
A multitude of people have argued against this, highlighting that they do support people privately, although masses have expressed that they have been poorly supporting those who need the support more than ever. It is pleasant to know that people are beginning to acknowledge their own wrong doings, to then proceed to go out of their way to correct their attitudes. It recognisably highlights that in such a negative and sad time for the world – people are willing to come together and fix issues within themselves for the sake of others; which is in itself a beautiful thing.
Injecting positivity into a dark space is a difficult thing to do, as people are not only mourning people but also mourning the lives they previously had. It is a devastating change, individuals have lost their jobs, forcing them to find new ones which is almost impossible to do. Whilst also one of the biggest changes simply being the lifestyle they once had. Being able to visit relatives and friends whenever they please, without having quantity restrictions, distancing restrictions and a 10pm curfew to abide by. Essentially the pandemic has stripped away people from prime opportunities.
We caught back up with Rachel who also has an older daughter that went to study at University this September: “As a mother, it’s hard enough as it is letting your child fly the nest – never mind the pressure of a pandemic on top of it. I know how badly she wanted this University lifestyle, the going out until stupid o’clock, the socialising aspect of it all, but also how badly she just wanted to expierence going into Campus and using the equipment.” She quickly added: “But she’s took to online learning the best she could have; she struggles sometimes with not being able to go out – though she’s a trooper and I couldn’t be anymore proud.”
Thousands of students have taken to online media platforms to express their opinion on the same mater. The most popular topics of discussion being reduced University fees, reduced accommodation fees if staying at home, how the opportunities to meet new people have been ridiculously limited and overall how “shocking it is to be a University student” in 2020. Though, interestingly this has brought students from all over the country together – causing people to reply to tweets agreeing and reaching out to them.
Evidently, there is nobody to blame for the Pandemic which has consequently cost both lives and lifestyles of many – but it could be an excellent time for reflection on how you are living your life. Whether it be thinking about how you support your peers and community, or how you are spending your days in general.
Next time you are watching or reading an article related to Corona Virus, or NHS key workers take a minute to pause and think about who you may know that would appreciate a message of support.
Photo by Hello I'm Nik 🎞 on Unsplash
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